Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt is a tough commodity to trade in a buyer’s market but maybe not as tough as he is being made out to be.

With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, Oswalt recently has been busy clarifying — and in some cases downplaying — some of the stances he is reported to have taken regarding possible trades.

The latest clarification came Monday, when he said he has no problem being dealt to an East Coast team — provided it is the right fit.

“That’s not an issue,” Oswalt told the Chronicle. “Like I’ve said from the beginning, it’s going to have to work for both of us.”

Oswalt’s comments were meant to address reports suggesting he is not willing to accept a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies — a team with whom the Astros have been talking about a deal since last week — because he wants to be closer to his home in Weir, Miss.

Just days earlier, Oswalt, 32, stood by his locker and was adamant that he would not let money get in the way of a trade. Oswalt tackled the subject after reports had him demanding that any team seeking his services would have to agree to pick up his 2012 option, which is worth $16 million.

“We can work on doing different things as far as restructuring (the option),” Oswalt said.

Whether Oswalt is clarifying positions or making concessions to present himself as more appealing to teams is open to interpretation.

This is because, as Oswalt admits, he is not the one doing the dealing, and Bob Garber, his agent, is not one to engage the media.

What is clear is this: The Astros have six days to find a trading partner that meets Oswalt’s criteria.

And it remains no easy task. Oswalt (6-12, 3.42 ERA) is a difficult player to move because of his hefty contract — he is owed some $22 million through 2011, not including his 2012 option or $2 million buyout clause.

It is safe to say Oswalt, who remains one victory away from tying Joe Niekro’s franchise record of 144, expects to be traded. But he is mindful that he still may be in an Astros uniform come Oct. 3.

Since asking the team to consider trading him in May, Oswalt has seen Cliff Lee and Dan Haren find new homes. Haren’s deal with the Los Angeles Angels likely will kick Oswalt trade conversation into high gear because Haren was a backup plan for at least two teams reportedly interested in Oswalt.

It has been widely speculated that Oswalt’s preferred destination is St. Louis, which, like Philadelphia, seeks pitching help.

But the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Monday that Oswalt’s price likely is too steep for the Cardinals, with general manager John Mozeliak quoted as saying he is not encouraged at the prospect of being able to reach a deal for a pitcher before the deadline.